Philippians 2:5-7 - The Mind That Changes Everything

Let this mind be in youwhich was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not considerit robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking theform of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Welcometo Pastor's Chat today. Today we're back to Philippians 2:5-11. Some Biblescholars believe this is the greatest passage in all the Bible. Many people andBible scholars believe that this section was an early Christian hymn that theApostle Paul quoted to teach the church about the humility and the glory ofJesus Christ. Today we want to talk about the mind of Christ, the mind thatchanges everything.  Butwe need to remember in context that Paul is not merely teaching doctrine here.He is dealing with relationships in the church. Back in verses 1-4, Paul hadurged the believers to walk in humility, to walk in unity and selflessness.Remember he said, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition orconceit, but in lowliness of mind. Let each esteem others better thanthemselves." Then he gives the perfect example, Jesus Christ. “Letthis mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”.  Nowthe word mind here refers to the attitude, the mindset, the disposition or theway of thinking. Some people call this the submissive mind. It is the attitudethat willingly lays aside selfish ambition for the good of others and for theglory of God. Our thinking determines our living. Remember Proverbs 23:7, "Asa man thinks in his heart, so is he." If our minds are filled withpride and selfishness and comparison, jealousy, personal rights, relationshipswill begin to crumble. Homes become tense. Churches become divided andfriendships become strained. But when the believer develops the mind of Christ,unity and joy can flourish.  RememberPaul wrote Philippians from a Roman prison cell. Yet joy is filling his heartand his letter because Christ filled Paul's heart. The mind of Christ is notjust natural. It is supernatural. Remember Romans 12:2, “Be transformed bythe renewing of your mind…”. The Christian life is not behaviormodification. No, it is heart transformation. Remember that. This is exactlywhat is the mind of Christ.  Therest of the passage tells us about Christ. He surrendered. He surrendered Hisrights. He humbled Himself. He became a servant. He obeyed the Fathercompletely. He sacrificed Himself for others. Jesus did not live for Himself.If you ask what the mind of Christ is, you find it in Mark 10:45, “For eventhe Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give Hislife a ransom for others”. This is the mind that you and I are called to.  Sotoday, ask yourself the question, am I demanding my rights? Am I easilyoffended? Am I more concerned about being served or serving others? Would myfamily say I have the mind of Christ? Oh, my friend, the battle for humilitybegins in the mind. A church split usually starts with a proud thought. Abroken marriage often begins with selfish attitudes, and a bitter spirit beginswith unchecked thinking. But revival also begins in the mind.  Whenbelievers begin to say, "Lord Jesus, think through me, love through me,serve through me," everything changes. That is when we know we have themind of Christ. Maybe today there is someone you need to encourage instead ofcriticize. Maybe there is someone you need to forgive instead of avoid. Maybethere is a selfish attitude the Holy Spirit is revealing. The mind of Christalways moves us toward humility, unity, and sacrificial love.  Today,please pray this prayer with me. “Father, thank You for giving us the perfectexample of Jesus Christ. Forgive us for selfish thinking and proud attitudes.Renew our minds today and help us to think like Jesus. Fill us with humility,love and a servant's heart. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.” Godbless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!